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Author
Topic: New Labs....Finally! (Read 1848 times)

I finally broke down and went to the Dr. two weeks ago to have lab work. The last time I saw a Dr. was March of 2005. My adherence hasn't been that great, so I wasn't expecting the best of news. I was pleasantly surprised though.

Back in 2005 my numbers were 357 copies, 49 t-cells/3.8%.

Today I stand at <50 copies and 306 t-cells/20.4%.

The only number I'm concerned about was my Bilirubin which was 4.5. Doc pointed out that it was a little highbut didn't seem to concerned about it, and actually said it was pretty normal for the meds that I'm on (Reyataz, Norvir, Truvada).

I know their not the best numbers in world and would probably be better if my meds adherence was consistent, but I'm estatic to say the least. This is a big jump compared to when I was in the hospital with PCP 3 1/2 years and less than 20 t-cells and a viral load off the chart.

Hello Dennis, this is Eldon. It is good news to hear that your T-cell count as well as your percentage has increased considerably. I love good news. Your meds are working for you. Congratulations!

In the meantime, continue your current diet, get plenty of exercise, drink plenty of fluids, and most of all, continue to get your proper rest and don't sweat the small stuff. You do not need any additional stress in your life.

LOL! Well, I was on a high for a bit anyways. I quit my job this past Wednesday and I had their health coverage and intended on taking the Cobra option. I just got back from Walgreens to pick up my prescriptions and they told me my coverage was discontinued as of 8/31/06. I haven't received anything form my employer regarding Cobra yet. I thought there was a grace period or sometime of madated time so there was no lapse in coverage? So, so much for my adherence as I won't be able to get anything accomplished until Tuesday. This makes absolutely no sense seeing they took out my premium on my paycheck yesterday.This can't be right!

Dennis,Unless the organization you worked for falls unders some sort of exception, you should be offered the opportunity to continue health coverage under the Cobra. That should give you up to 18 months. And generally, health insurance benefits are paid "forward" so the payment withheld from your check should have at least covered you through the length of the next pay period. I agree with Eldon, get ahold of the personnel dept. on Tuesday and find out what is going on.

You might want to contact your insurance company this weekend -- they should have someone working. Make sure that the pharmacy and whoever they talked with (assuming they did speak with someone and didn't rely on a computer) didn't get it wrong. Also -- see if the pharmacy will give you a few days of meds to get you over the next few days -- even if you have to pay for them. Let's keep the lab numbers moving in the right directions! Do you know anyone around you taking the same meds?? If you were near Richmond, VA, I'd give you a few of my Reyataz and Truvada

Thanks Everyone. I did try to call United Healthcare but they are closed due to the Holiday. The automated recording gave me the same information...that my coverage ended 8/31/06, the day after I quit. According to the company benefits, they do offer Cobra coverage, so I'm not sure why the discontinued my coverage. I know they were pissed when I left, but...This is just very typical of this company and even talked to an attorney this past Thursday about a few incidents I encountered and what caused me to quit. The pharmicist did offer to sell me a few day supply. I just chuckled though, thinking about how expensive 3-4 days worth of meds would be.

I'm not gonna worry about it and just deal with it on Tuesday. Not much more I can do.